The grant has been provided under FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP). It will allow the airport to widen the taxiways on the left side, which will help to accommodate larger aircraft. The grant will also be used to design the taxiways and blast pads on the eastern side of the airport. Located at runway ends, the blast pads prevent erosion from jet exhaust when engines are at full power for takeoff.
Construction period will last for about eight months with the work to begin from late September 2012.
AIP grants $3.35 billion every year for airport improvement projects. This grant can be given to 3,300 airports across the US which are eligible for funding. The AIP grant benefits commercial passengers, cargo operations and general aviation activities.
